The U.S. Drought Monitor, issued through the National Mitigation Drought Center, continued to show some improvement as the drought was downgraded to severe across portions of the Northwest Hill Country. Brown County was even removed from the drought!
Much needed rainfall that fell across portions of West Central Texas in December resulted in a downgrade of the drought across portions of West Central Texas. Beneficial rainfall fell over most of the region except for Crockett, Sterling and Irion Counties. The area along and east of a line from Coleman to Eldorado received an estimated 2 to 3 inches of rain. The cooler and wetter December continued to reduce the wildfire threat.
According to the Texas Crop Weather Report prepared by the Texas A&M Agriculture Program, the following agricultural impacts were noted across southern Big Country, Concho Valley and the Heartland. Many counties reported receiving rain during the Christmas break, but all needed more. Most burn bans were temporarily lifted. Winter wheat and oats showed some improvement where there was rain, but most fields remained in poor condition. Rangeland and pastures were also in poor condition, though the rain did improve some winter grasses and forbs enough to provide grazing. Producers continued to provide supplemental protein and hay to livestock. Hay was in very short supply and hard to find. The pecan harvest was mostly complete, with yields much lower than in previous years. Many producers were preparing to heavily trim their orchards.
The winter wheat was in good condition across the northern Big Country, and producers were able to turn cattle on to it for grazing before the end of December. The condition of livestock began to improve. Hay supplies remained short, and producers hoped to bale winter wheat not being grazed. Some counties lifted their burn bans.
Across the Northern Edwards Plateau and Northwest Hill Country recent rains promoted growth of winter pastures and small grains. Soil-moisture levels slightly improved, but the moisture remained very low in the deep soil profile. Winter pastures were growing because of the recent rains and warmer temperatures, but they were still short. Grazing conditions improved, however, and growers were sowing spring wheat.
Over in Crockett County, producers lost cattle in some areas due to poor forage quality and excessive mesquite bean consumption. Most pecan orchards were harvested. Pecan yields were low but quality was fair. Winter wheat and oats under irrigation were mostly in poor to fair condition with a few plots in good condition. Rangeland remained in poor condition. Cattle were in poor to fair condition with producers providing alfalfa cubes, molasses and syrup tubs. Some producers continued to sell cattle. Early calving herds were expected to begin calving soon. Producers finished shipping earlier backgrounded calves.

Event Narrative

The U.S. Drought Monitor placed Coleman County in a severe drought category.